The Connection Between Drug Addiction and Homelessness

Everyone’s Fighting A Battle

For a person who is unfamiliar with addiction, it can be difficult to understand how a person, particularly someone that they love, can continue using despite horrible consequences. If you are an addict, you know.

Homelessness And Addiction

Two conditions which often go hand in hand are drug addiction and homelessness. While many people struggling with addiction remain “functioning addicts,” meaning that they are able to hold a job and pay the bills, others cannot. In extreme cases, an addict loses everything, including the ability to maintain employment and meet their basic financial needs.

Once homeless, the addiction continues or even worsens. Hope of change is lost, and all sense of identity and self-worth go with it. The idea of getting clean or recovering from addiction seems pointless for the person who is living on the streets. The routine of trying to meet basic needs such as eating, finding a safe place to sleep and shower are all-consuming, leaving no energy for anything else.

No Way Out of Using Drugs & Alcohol

At this point, it may feel like there is no point in seeking help. Even when offered, the addict may resist, much to the frustration of family members. Even though a bottom has clearly been reached, the pull of addiction and the resulting hopelessness may make the addicted person feel there is no other way.

For the homeless person, living in constant uncertainty, fear and degradation, the only thing that seems left to do is continue using, because that at least provides some level of relief.

There Is Hope

If you or someone you love is facing homelessness as a result of addiction, there is hope. Drug and alcohol treatment offers not only a safe place to be, it also offers a new way of life. Many recovering addicts who had lost everything, their jobs, homes, families and health have recovered and built successful, fulfilling lives, often even better than before. A comeback is absolutely realistic, although it may not feel like it. Drug addiction and homelessness may feel like the end, but for the addict who gets help, it is just the beginning.

Matt Sapia

Matt Sapia is a BHT Supervisor at Holistix in Lake Worth where Matt works closely with patients in the facility, helping to ensure they are comfortable and safe. Matt has been working in the addiction treatment field for 1 year. He has helped countless addicts get through the detox process and begin their journey toward lifelong recovery. Matt is originally from Staten Island, NY. He enjoys exercise and long walks on the beach.

Laura Bonczek

Tiffany Tait

Tiffany Tait is the Chief Operating Officer at Holistix Treatment Centers in where Tiffany works closely with the facility, helping to ensuring that patients are comfortable and safe. Tiffany has been working in the addiction treatment field for 14 years. She has helped countless addicts get through the detox process and begin their journey toward lifelong recovery. She is especially recognized for her experience in clinical program development, leadership development, and organizational restructuring. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminology and Masters of Social Work Degree from Florida State University in Tallahassee, FL. Tiffany is originally from Brooklyn, New York, and enjoys reading, being a mom and taking long naps on the beach.

Gianni Fugazy

Gianni Fugazy is the Director of Operations at Holistix in Margate where Gianni works closely with patients in the facility, helping to ensure they are comfortable and safe. Gianni has been working in the addiction treatment field for 4 years. He has helped countless addicts get through the detox process and begin their journey toward lifelong recovery. Gianni is originally from Harrison, New York, and enjoys watching movies and going the gym in his free time.